Development of Concrete Mix Proportions for Minimizing/Eliminating Shrinkage Cracks in Slabs and High Performance Grouts


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CAIT project no.: CAIT-UTC-NC14

Fiscal Year: 2014/2015

Status: Final

Rutgers-CAIT Author(s): Perumalsamy Balaguru, Ph.D., Andres Roda, P.E., Patrick Szary, Ph.D.

External Author(s): Nat Kasbekar, P.E.

Sponsor(s): USDOT-FHWA, New Jersey Department of Transportation

Summary:

The primary objectives are two develop two formulations, one suitable for casting slabs with least amount of creep and shrinkage and eliminate cracking due to restrained time-dependent strains and the second for specialized uses in grouting and gluing for pre-cast construction. The first part of the research will utilize common constituent materials currently used in concrete including optimized mineral and chemical admixtures. Standard protocols will be used for mixing, placing and finishing of concrete.

The second part of the research will focus on the development of high performance compositions that will set fast, dimensionally stable and have high strength, stiffens and toughness. It is expected a fiber reinforced formulation with Portland cement and other cementing agents will be used. Since the volume of material used for these applications is small, the cost is not as critical as for applications involving large volume use.